Why are fish important in an ecosystem? Freshwater ecosystems need fish to feed on vegetation so that it doesn't overgrow and crowd out other species. Some species eat the algae in an ecosystem, cleaning the environment. Some fish in an ecosystem feed on other fish, controlling populations. Freshwater fish are frequently hunted by land mammals like bears and birds, providing an important food source for neighboring ecosystems. When fish die, their bodies decompose into the ecosystem, fertilizing the soil in the ecosystem, making it possible for other plants and fish to grow.
What ways do fish use ecosystems? Fish use freshwater ecosystems for shelter, to lay their eggs, and for food.
What fish live in freshwater ecosystems? Chichlids, angel fish, barbs, bettas (Siamese fighting fish), minnows, discus, goldfish, rainbow fish, and brackish fish are some examples of fresh water fish. (http://www.liveaquaria.com)
What is an invasive species? A species which is not native to an ecosystem or area and is introduced either on purpose or by mistake. One example is the Green Crab which is a harmful invasive species and has invaded every content except Antarctica. Many marine scientists worry that because they are carnivores, strong, and reproduce very quickly and and have many offspring at a time; they may take over the crab population in many areas.
(http://www.businessdailyafrica.com)
Nile perch
"They lurk beneath the water, unseen until snagged by a fisherman or researcher. Some of these fishy intruders have traveled entire continents to their new habitats, relocated by accident in a manner that just would not have been possible until human beings began crisscrossing the globe at will. A number of these fish, on the other hand, were purposefully introduced to provide food and sport, or even to fight disease. Others are escaped pets, chancing their way in the great blue yonder."
Written by: Yohani Kamarudin
Read more at http://www.environmentalgraffiti.com/news-invasive-fish#ojXVjmrahKzzm7bG.99
Nile perch
"They lurk beneath the water, unseen until snagged by a fisherman or researcher. Some of these fishy intruders have traveled entire continents to their new habitats, relocated by accident in a manner that just would not have been possible until human beings began crisscrossing the globe at will. A number of these fish, on the other hand, were purposefully introduced to provide food and sport, or even to fight disease. Others are escaped pets, chancing their way in the great blue yonder."
Written by: Yohani Kamarudin
Read more at http://www.environmentalgraffiti.com/news-invasive-fish#ojXVjmrahKzzm7bG.99
Lionfish
CITATIONS (LINKS TO PHOTOS)
- http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/aquarium-fish-supplies.cfm?c=830
- http://www.aquariumdomain.com/viewSpeciesFreshwater.php?id=220#
- http://www.aquariumfish.net/catalog_pages/bettas/bettas_males_more.htm
- http://www.businessdailyafrica.com/Corporate-News/Fishing-sector-gets-boost-with-Sh4bn-to-conserve-Nile-perch/-/539550/1086792/-/gmrp15z/-/index.html
- http://www.environmentalgraffiti.com/news-invasive-fish?image=13
- http://www.somethingsphishy.com/glofish-electric-green-barb-inch-quantity-p-1309.html